Articles publicats (Ciència Animal)
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- ItemOpen AccessProductive characterisation of a goat breed: study of growth and CSN1S1 gene polymorphism(Servicio de Publicaciones Universidad de Córdoba, 2011-04-13) Vidilla, M.; Ferrando, A.; Villalba Mata, Daniel; Jordana, JordiThe results of the productive characterisation of the Blanca de Rasquera goat meat breed are presented within the framework of a Conservation Programme. The 125 animals included in the study were randomly chosen from among six farms under an extensive production system and natural lactation. The growth of kids was characterised by quantifying body weight from birth to slaughter. The influence of sex and type of birth on growth was evaluated. Kids showed a good growth rate (123 g/day on average for the period 0-45 days), comparable to, or slightly lower than, other Spanish autochthonous meat breeds. As expected, the type of birth and sex significantly influenced weight and the growth of kids. A random sample of 36 individuals was analysed in relation to the αS1-casein gene (CSN1S1). A greater frequency (62.5%) was found for alleles associated with high αS1-casein quantity in milk, indicating its good potential and technological quality for cheese production.
- ItemOpen AccessHow are the pigs transported in Spain? Diferences between slaughter and farm destinations(Servicio de Publicaciones Universidad de Córdoba, 2009-07-22) Gosálvez Lara, L. F; Riu, M.; Herranz, A.; Colom, A.; Averós Florensa, XavierTo know in the logistics of pig transports in Spain 566 journeys, concerning 34 slaughterhouses and 13 traders, were surveyed by means of questionnaires collecting information relative to 119 transport aspects. Trucks loaded pigs in 1,5 farms on average, loading an average of 160 slaughter pigs or 493 piglets transported to growing farms, with an average stocking density of 214.4 and 103.8 kg/m2 respectively. Pigs were fasted previous to the journey an average of 14.5 hours in 79.2% of slaughter journeys, which lasted 3.4 hours on average, less than half the average duration of farm transports (7.3 hours, p<0.001). In 39% of piglet transports the duration was higher than 8 hours, and in no case a 24 hour stop was necessary, although the percentage of journeys with more than 2 stops was higher than in slaughter transports (22.6% vs. 4.1%; p<0.001). More than 95% of journeys were carried out with one driver, who participated in the loading and unloading of the animals in more than 97% of the cases, and was assisted by another person in 79% of the unloadings at the slaughterhouse (p<0.01). The average loading time was similar between farm and slaugher transports (102 minutes), although the individual loading time in slaughter transports was higher (1.2 minutes/ animal). The unloading was faster at slaughterhouses than in farms (52.9 vs. 25.0 minutes; p<0.001), although the individual loading time was similar for both destinations (0.31 minutes). In both destinations the number of journeys with at least one dead animal was similar (12%), although the average number of dead animals/journey was higher in transports to farm (1.6 animals/journey; p<0.05). No injured pigs were detected at the end of the farm transports, although lesions were found at the end of 17.8% of slaughter transports (3.6 injured pigs/journey on average). Farm and slaughter transports were mainly carried out with vehicles owned by traders or specialized transportists (61.0% y 74.1% respectively; p<0.001), with an average drivers' experience about 15 years. More than 15% of drivers declared to know the current animal welfare legislation, above 48% declared to believe that legislation is not totally complied with, and that legislation should approach more to real transport circumstances. More information and a better scientific basis of the aspect of stops during the journey were demanded. Due to their way of acting is mainly based in a consolidated experience, additional descriptive studies of the activity of livestock transportists are important.
- ItemOpen AccessUnravelling novel and closely linked association signals for fat-related traits in pigs using prioritised variants from whole-genome sequence data(Elsevier, 2025) Molinero García, Eduard ; Pena i Subirà, Ramona Natacha; Estany Illa, Joan; Ros Freixedes, RogerFor most production traits, the largest proportions of genetic variance remain unmapped. Dense whole-genome sequence (WGS) data enable the possibility of discovering novel associations as well as unravelling closely linked association signals with a resolution that marker arrays cannot reach. However, the identification of variants from WGS data that are causal of the variation of complex traits is hindered by the high dimensionality and linkage disequilibrium. Thus, at best, we can narrow the circle around the causal variants to prioritise a set of variants for their posterior validation. In this study, we assessed the utility of WGS data for uncovering associations of weaker effects using, as a model, fat content and composition traits in a Duroc pig population where we previously described major effects of the LEPR and SCD genes. We genotyped 971 pigs for a set of 182 variants from 154 candidate genes that were prioritised from amongst the WGS variants discovered in 205 sequenced individuals. These variants were prioritised conditional to LEPR and SCD. The association of the prioritised variants with the target traits was then tested in the confirmation set of 971 pigs. A total of 17 potentially independent quantitative trait loci (8.4% of the total number of studied genes) were significantly associated (q-value < 0.05) with at least one of the studied traits. We identified novel associations attributable to genes such as ABCC2, MOGAT2, or PLPP1 for backfat thickness, myristic acid content, and monounsaturated fatty acid content, respectively. Our results also revealed a finer granularity of weaker genetic effects in loci such as those around the DGAT2 and FADS2 genes, which may mask the effects of closely located genes like MOGAT2 and DAGLA, respectively. To refine the prioritisation of variants for validation studies, especially when targeting those of weaker effects, we recommend larger and more diverse discovery sets, more precise and complete functional gene annotation, and the integration of other omics data.
- ItemOpen AccessElectrochemotherapy intralesional treatment in a captive peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) with dermal squamous cell carcinoma(MDPI, 2025) Peña, Sara; Ferrer, Otilia; Balañá, Beatriz; Lima, Mariana; Ordeix, Laura; Alomar, JaumeCaptive birds of prey often exceed their wild counterparts’ lifespan, as seen in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, ~20 years wild vs. ~40 years captive), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos, ~32 years wild vs. ~46 years captive), and Andean condors (Vultur gryphus, ~50 years wild vs. ~79 years captive), highlighting the impact of controlled environments on longevity. However, recent evidence suggests a rising incidence of neoplastic processes in these species. While previous studies have indicated a higher-than-expected prevalence of neoplasia in raptors, comprehensive research on this topic remains scarce. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a frequently reported neoplasm in pet birds, has been documented in birds of prey, though the literature on its prevalence and management is limited. Retrospective studies have identified SCC cases in peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), primarily affecting the flank or thigh, with locally invasive behavior and rare distant metastasis. Complete surgical excision is the preferred treatment for SCCs, yet its feasibility is often constrained by tumor invasiveness and anatomical limitations. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has emerged as a promising alternative, utilizing electroporation to enhance intracellular drug uptake while minimizing systemic toxicity. Bleomycin and cisplatin have been successfully used in avian intralesional chemotherapy, offering a potentially safer and effective treatment approach. ECT has demonstrated efficacy in various exotic species, yet its application in raptors remains largely unexplored. This case report describes the use of electrochemotherapy with bleomycin in a peregrine falcon diagnosed with SCC, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting its clinical utility in avian oncology.
- ItemOpen AccessCorrigendum: From feed to field: effect of dietary protein level and use of a blend of feed additives on gaseous emissions from growing-finishing pig slurry (Frontiers in Animal Science, (2025), 6, (1508660), 10.3389/fanim.2025.1508660)(Frontiers Media SA, 2025) Fuertes Gimeno, Esperanza; Sarri Espinosa, Laura; Carnicero, Rodrigo; Perez Calvo, Estefania; Calderón, Alvaro; Balcells Terés, Joaquim; Seradj, Ahmad Reza; Cantero Martınez, Carlos; Fernandez-Ortega, Jesús; de la Fuente Oliver, GabrielIn the published article, there was an error in Table 1 as published. The weight, expressed in g kg-1 of all the ingredients of the eight experimental diets was incorrect, as they were expressed in other units. In addition, the units in which they should be expressed are “g kg-1 as fed”, and not “g kg DM-1”. The corrected Table 1 and its caption appear below. Ingredients and chemical composition of the experimental diets of two feeding phases, growing and finishing, fed standard (SP) or low (LP) levels of crude protein, combined with the presence (SPA and LPA) or absence (SPC and LPC) of dietary treatment. The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated.